JENSEN EDITORIAL: The secret to staying young? Act young once in a while

Friday

Jun 21, 2013 at 12:30 PM

Looking back on your childhood, didn't it seem as though summer would never come and when it finally did, it lasted forever?

Jess Bengtson Staff Writer

Looking back on your childhood, didn't it seem as though summer would never come and when it finally did, it lasted forever? You were always waiting for the end of the school year, but three days later started anticipating the arrival of fall, a new teacher, and seeing all of your friends again. Where did that feeling of excitement and longing go?

Now, as an adult in the workforce or in your retirement years, the seasons seem to blend into one another without you taking a moment to notice what is taking place around you. When did we, as a society, become so absorbed in the business of our lives that we stopped anticipating small milestones in our existence? Does this happen at as we reach a certain age? Does one, on their 23rd birthday, suddenly lose interest in the very things they "lived for" as a child? If so, that is not a very nice birthday present. Re-gifting may be in order in this case.

Perhaps the change is more gradual, slowing creeping up upon you as you mature into the "grown-up" you never could have imagined you'd be.

As the years fly by, many find their only way of seeing the world with child-like wonder is through the eyes of their children or grandchildren. The spark for fun and imagination dulls in many, often leaving the silly, happy-go-lucky parts of life to the little ones.

What would it be like to live just one more carefree day? Can you imagine no stress, worries, schedules or to-do lists entering your mind? You'd have something wonderful to look forward to again.

What would you do with your time? Would you spend it enjoying the things you did when you were young, or would your adult sensibilities take over and prevent you from embarrassing yourself by running for the thrill of it, jumping on a swing at the neighborhood playground, or simply taking a nap during the middle of the day?

As much as you may want to take a day for yourself and indulge in things you truly enjoy, you probably feel far too responsible to do so. You are bogged down by the tasks of daily life and the obligations you've created for yourself. In a fast-paced world filled with shoulds and should-nots, it's no wonder the seasons pass by in the blink of an eye and time for childlike excitement doesn't fit into your busy schedule.

As it has been said many times before, stop and take time to smell the roses. Heck, smell dandelions if you have to. Life is what you make it. Give yourself permission to think and act young again, even if it is for only a few minutes each day. Who knows, reverting back to your childhood dreams and wishes for even the briefest moment just might be the secret to staying young. And, in case you hadn't noticed, summer is officially here.

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